Teardrop

Gr 7 Up—Eureka Boudreaux has a unique set of problems. Not only does she have to deal with an overbearing stepmonster, senioritis, and a clueless therapist, she also has the burden of being the sole bearer of an ancient curse that could bring destruction to the entire world. A bit much? Well, add a suicide attempt to the mix along with a dash of survivor's guilt. A book in a dead language, a weird stone, and a rusted locket are all that Eureka's mother left her when she died. She must find out what they all mean, and no one can help her make sense of the mess, except the strange boy with the luminescent skin who seems to pop up whenever bad things happen. With uncommon grace, Lauren Kate manages to couple supernatural intrigue and romance with the very serious subject of suicide. Part lyrical contemporary fiction and part paranormal romance, this work bends the myth of Atlantis to fit modern experience. Narrated by Erin Spencer, this is a solid addition to any public or school library.—Shanna Miles, South Atlanta Educational Complex, GA